Hello friends out there in webland. Its been six months since I have blogged. So much has been going on. Difficulty, struggle, breakthrough, joy, sorrow, dreams come true, uncertainty, endings and beginnings. Through it all the Lord is FAITHFUL! Even as I write this I'm not quite sure what this blog is about. The title is significant because I am in a new season in my life and in my walk with my Lord. A month ago I quit my job to be at home full time. A dream come true for sure! After five long years of working towards this goal, we finally arrived at a place where we felt the Lord prompting that it was time. Being at home is not for everyone, but for me its where I blossom. Its where my motivation, passion, and talents are in complete alignment with my purpose. It is the place where I am most fulfilled. It is full of challenges that require me to fully depend on the Lord to work in me and through me.
I believe its important that everyone know what makes them want to get out of bed in the morning. What do you love? Where do you feel like you get to be you? What are you doing? Its true that there are many things out there that can be done and be done well. However, there's a place, a spot for everyone. I believe the first place you discover that was made just for you is a place in the love of the heavenly Father. In this place you experience what it is to be a beloved child. As a child you posess an inheritance. (Colossians 1:12-14) In His love you experience grace, mercy, peace, freedom, healing, acceptance, security, rest, shelter, and RELENTLESS love. This is your place in His love. Its all yours and reserved just for you. This place in His love has YOUR name on it. In this place you learn that you are free to be you. He made you. He knows you and loves you. Its also the place where you find your purpose. When you know who you are in the Father's love (your identity in Christ) and allow the Holy Spirit to fill you....something amazing happens!
I am going to attempt to paint a mental picture. I love mental pictures! They really help me :)
You are planted in the Father's love like a seed. His light and love shine down on you. His Spirit waters you like the rain. His Word nourishes you like the soil. Then it happens, you grow and transform. You blossom into a beautiful flower or strong stately oak tree. Its LIFE! Its bright, colorful, creative, orderly, and purposeful!
Now leaving the mental picture :)
As you grow and transform into the man or woman He made you to be, you discover what you are passionate about, what you enjoy doing, what you love, and what your gifts & talents (they aren't the same) are. You are His creation that he has brought to life with His love for a purpose! Chances are your purpose is found in what you are passionate about, what you love, and what you enjoy doing.
I'm 34 and I'm just now figuring this out, so its not too late. I've always somewhat known the answers to these questions (what am I passionate about? What do I love? What do I enjoy doing?). However, two weeks ago I did a flag page that solidified what I already knew. I am passionate about impacting lives, making a difference, and doing something worthwhile. I love people! I genuinely care about people and their lives. I enjoy being with people, encouaging them whenever I can. Connecting with people is a big deal to me!
For years I had a difficult time making meaningful connections with people. It was a constant source of disappointment. I longed for meaningful connections with people, but never seemed to be able to have them. It wasn't until I restored my connection with my heavenly Father and received my place in His love that I was able to connect with people the way I needed to. Because of my secure connection with Him I am free to be me, connect with people void of fear and judgement, and love/inspire/encourage people from a place full of His love and acceptance as a beloved daughter.
In this new season at home I have even more time to connect with people, pray for them, write blogs (lol), and do all the things I love the most. I have more time for my children and my husband. They are my most important people connections!!!
If you are interested in doing a flag page. Visit www.flagpage.com
Friday, March 23, 2012
Thursday, September 29, 2011
My Acorn Story
I have a little story to share with you. It amazes me how God chooses to speak to us sometimes. I believe I am most enthralled by the way he speaks through creation. We are surrounded by testimonies of His love, grace, mercy, and faithfulness through what He has created. Even the acorn tells a story. For me it is a story of expectant hope. Its a story of "against-all-odds-victory". Its a story of legacy.
Yesterday as I was leaving work and walking to my car, I noticed an acorn on the parking lot. I don't normally look around for things like that, but I feel like the Lord just kinda put it there. I picked it up and decided to take it home...again very uncharacteristic of me. At once I felt something stirring in my spirit about this acorn. I went home and googled "acorns". Somehow I thought I was going to uncover some amazing fact about acorns and I was going to have this "ah-ha" moment. I love those! I learned it can take an oak tree nearly 70-80 years to reach full acorn production. That is nearly the whole length of a human life. I also learned that only 1 in 10,000 acorns will actually become an oak tree. If the population of Chattanooga were acorns, in 70 years we would only have 173 oak trees! You are impressed by my facts, huh?
So back to my story....I gave up and stopped searching. Then this morning I woke up with this feeling of expectation. I began to ask the Lord, "what is this about?" "What are you up to? Please tell me!" I felt like a kid begging to know what they were getting for their birthday. Then I heard him say, "I am able to do geat things...things far above all that you have asked." Then I thought of a verse in Ephesians that sounded alot like that. As soon as I got to work, I looked it up. Sure enough, there it was in Ephesians, chapter 3 verse 20:
*****Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.***** NKJV
I'm thinking, "Wow! Papa you are so good!" You see, everyday we can wake up knowing and expecting our heavenly Father is up to something amazing! According to this verse, it will be something we could have never imagined or thought of on our own. Even though we don't know what it will be, just knowing that He is up to something in our lives should stir our hearts towards him.
.....so back to the acorn....I went in to work and the Lord started speaking again. He reminded me of the acorn I found the day before.
SIDE NOTE: I love it when Papa starts speaking to me, but He does it alot when I am at work. This can really make it difficult to work sometimes. I'm always afraid I'll forget what he said so I'll jot notes down in my phone (as I can)so I can go back to it later. But still, its just really hard to focus on work when all I want to do is go hide in the bathroom and talk to God!
It all started to make sense. When we were in Chicago for Jesus Culture Awakening in August, Bill Johnson gave a word about acorns. Sometimes we just see an acorn, but God sees an oak tree. How many times do we minimize what God is able to do down to just what we can see, think, or ask? The result is we don't expect much. OR We reserve the right to wait till we can see it before we acknowledge the work He is doing. The truth is a renewed mind(Romans 12:2)allows us to see the oak tree in the acorn. You may look at your life and see bunch of acorns, but God sees an oak tree. The acorn is a symbol of hope. The hope we have through Christ ensures that the work, the Father is doing in us, through his Spirit, is "exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ever think or ask for". We can wake up everyday with the expectant hope that, though we may not see it now, God is up to something good in our lives.
Lets talk about this story of "against-all-odds-victory" we can see in an acorn. Do you remember me telling you that only 1 in 10,000 acorns becomes an oak tree? I won't list them all, but there are many reasons behind it. Basically, though, the odds are that the acorn won't ever make it to the ground and if it does it will probably get snatched up. One thing that will never change is the potential for that acorn to become an oak tree. Our destiny always has and always will be, to become sons and daughters of the Most High King, to know our Abba Father and live in relationship with him. No matter what the odds are, no matter what the circumstances are in our lives, this truth will never change. Because of our sin, it would seem that the odds are against us. I'm here to tell you that the love of the Father displayed on the cross through his son, Jesus, has the power to rescue us into his loving embrace and firmly plant us into our destiny.
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. IN THEIR RIGHTEOUSNESS, THEY WILL BE LIKE GREAT OAKS THAT THE LORD HAS PLANTED FOR HIS OWN GLORY. Isaiah 61:3 NLT (emphasis mine)
So an acorn is a story of hope, victory, and legacy. I also mentioned at the beginning that it takes 70-80 years for an oak tree to reach full acorn producing potential. Ok, so I could plant an acorn today at age 34 and would never see my tree reach its full potential. This is legacy. We are sowing and planting into the "acorns" of our lives, but we may never actually see its full-grown, mature state. The next generation will benefit from the oak trees of the future. They will enjoy its shade and strength. There are several oak trees in my life whose shade and strength have meant the world to me. I'm so thankful for their lives and the ways I have benefited. This encourages me to grow and mature into an oak tree, whose roots go deep, whose shade provides cover and protection, and whose strength gives someone something to lean on.
I'll end with this, did you know that an oak tree's roots grow deeper than most other trees. Its roots have the capacity to drink in massive amounts of life-giving water. I believe our roots should be deep and constantly drinking in the love of the Father. This is the message version of Ephesians 3:20.
God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Is that good or what?? Well, thats all I got for now. I love you all and pray you all can see the oak tree :)
Yesterday as I was leaving work and walking to my car, I noticed an acorn on the parking lot. I don't normally look around for things like that, but I feel like the Lord just kinda put it there. I picked it up and decided to take it home...again very uncharacteristic of me. At once I felt something stirring in my spirit about this acorn. I went home and googled "acorns". Somehow I thought I was going to uncover some amazing fact about acorns and I was going to have this "ah-ha" moment. I love those! I learned it can take an oak tree nearly 70-80 years to reach full acorn production. That is nearly the whole length of a human life. I also learned that only 1 in 10,000 acorns will actually become an oak tree. If the population of Chattanooga were acorns, in 70 years we would only have 173 oak trees! You are impressed by my facts, huh?
So back to my story....I gave up and stopped searching. Then this morning I woke up with this feeling of expectation. I began to ask the Lord, "what is this about?" "What are you up to? Please tell me!" I felt like a kid begging to know what they were getting for their birthday. Then I heard him say, "I am able to do geat things...things far above all that you have asked." Then I thought of a verse in Ephesians that sounded alot like that. As soon as I got to work, I looked it up. Sure enough, there it was in Ephesians, chapter 3 verse 20:
*****Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.***** NKJV
I'm thinking, "Wow! Papa you are so good!" You see, everyday we can wake up knowing and expecting our heavenly Father is up to something amazing! According to this verse, it will be something we could have never imagined or thought of on our own. Even though we don't know what it will be, just knowing that He is up to something in our lives should stir our hearts towards him.
.....so back to the acorn....I went in to work and the Lord started speaking again. He reminded me of the acorn I found the day before.
SIDE NOTE: I love it when Papa starts speaking to me, but He does it alot when I am at work. This can really make it difficult to work sometimes. I'm always afraid I'll forget what he said so I'll jot notes down in my phone (as I can)so I can go back to it later. But still, its just really hard to focus on work when all I want to do is go hide in the bathroom and talk to God!
It all started to make sense. When we were in Chicago for Jesus Culture Awakening in August, Bill Johnson gave a word about acorns. Sometimes we just see an acorn, but God sees an oak tree. How many times do we minimize what God is able to do down to just what we can see, think, or ask? The result is we don't expect much. OR We reserve the right to wait till we can see it before we acknowledge the work He is doing. The truth is a renewed mind(Romans 12:2)allows us to see the oak tree in the acorn. You may look at your life and see bunch of acorns, but God sees an oak tree. The acorn is a symbol of hope. The hope we have through Christ ensures that the work, the Father is doing in us, through his Spirit, is "exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ever think or ask for". We can wake up everyday with the expectant hope that, though we may not see it now, God is up to something good in our lives.
Lets talk about this story of "against-all-odds-victory" we can see in an acorn. Do you remember me telling you that only 1 in 10,000 acorns becomes an oak tree? I won't list them all, but there are many reasons behind it. Basically, though, the odds are that the acorn won't ever make it to the ground and if it does it will probably get snatched up. One thing that will never change is the potential for that acorn to become an oak tree. Our destiny always has and always will be, to become sons and daughters of the Most High King, to know our Abba Father and live in relationship with him. No matter what the odds are, no matter what the circumstances are in our lives, this truth will never change. Because of our sin, it would seem that the odds are against us. I'm here to tell you that the love of the Father displayed on the cross through his son, Jesus, has the power to rescue us into his loving embrace and firmly plant us into our destiny.
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. IN THEIR RIGHTEOUSNESS, THEY WILL BE LIKE GREAT OAKS THAT THE LORD HAS PLANTED FOR HIS OWN GLORY. Isaiah 61:3 NLT (emphasis mine)
So an acorn is a story of hope, victory, and legacy. I also mentioned at the beginning that it takes 70-80 years for an oak tree to reach full acorn producing potential. Ok, so I could plant an acorn today at age 34 and would never see my tree reach its full potential. This is legacy. We are sowing and planting into the "acorns" of our lives, but we may never actually see its full-grown, mature state. The next generation will benefit from the oak trees of the future. They will enjoy its shade and strength. There are several oak trees in my life whose shade and strength have meant the world to me. I'm so thankful for their lives and the ways I have benefited. This encourages me to grow and mature into an oak tree, whose roots go deep, whose shade provides cover and protection, and whose strength gives someone something to lean on.
I'll end with this, did you know that an oak tree's roots grow deeper than most other trees. Its roots have the capacity to drink in massive amounts of life-giving water. I believe our roots should be deep and constantly drinking in the love of the Father. This is the message version of Ephesians 3:20.
God can do anything, you know-far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Is that good or what?? Well, thats all I got for now. I love you all and pray you all can see the oak tree :)
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
New School Year Challenges
If you love someone, set them free.
The new school year brings on a challenge for me as a mom to be in a supportive role vs. a lead role. I may try to use my position as mom to control and manipulate my child's performance and choices to be what I want. In a supportive role, I will allow my child freedom to be themself, freedom to make their own choices without judgement, and provide encouraging counsel. My children need to know that I love them for who they are and that I have no desire to change, control, or manipulate them. It is my job to point them to Holy Spirit, who will reveal the Father's heart and truth about who they are and their purpose. Ultimately, it is their choice whether they will come into agreement with it or ignore it. Its an awfully scary thing to do. Frankly, though, thats my problem and not theirs.
I need to take my fear to the Father. In His presence fear cannot exist, only love. In His presence, I am reminded of His love for me and my children. I am reminded that I can trust Him, which in turn leads to faith. My faith will give me eyes to see what He sees and therefore engage in the process. Parenting is a process! For me and them!
When I give my children room to make their own choices, I am empowering them. I say "give them room" because I do have to set some boundaries. I believe its important for them to learn and value their freedom and ability to choose. I saw a post on FB about song lyrics. The post basically said that in a country that has freedom of speech, how do you deal with artists who make music with offensive song lyrics. I believe this post reveals a struggle that we have as a people. Freedom of speech is a God-given right, offensive song lyrics is a choice. Someone has taken their God-given right to speak and chose to speak offensively. What I want my children to learn (and better now than later)is that they are free. They were created to be free, but that freedom comes with responsibility to make good choices and when they choose poorly...there will be consequences. If I don't give my children an opportunity to make good choices, in essence, I am saying I don't believe they can make good choices. If I don't give them room to mess up, I can't give them room to succeed either. You see the problem is not freedom of speech. The problem is poor choices in how we manage our freedom. Those who manage it poorly get their freedom taken away or punished. I want my children to know that their freedom is safe with me. I'm not going to yank it away every time they make a poor choice.
My next challenge is to provide encouraging counsel. This is such a conscious choice on my part. This challenge calls me to speak life over my children. It requires me to choose to see beyond their current choices to what the Father is doing in their life. When I see what the Father is doing, I can come into alignment with it, and partner with Him to see His will done in their life. I try to make sure I say encouraging words and constantly call out the greatness that I know is in them. Whether it be their grades, behavior, friends, or extra-curricular activities I want them to know that I am their biggest fan here on earth. Situations may come up that make them doubt who they are or their abilities. Hopefully, I will be there to remind them they are precious daughters and son of the Most High King and carry His favor on them. Hopefully, they will know beyond a doubt that I love them more than the grades they make, the friends they hang around, or the sports they choose to play.
I say this is a challenge for me and it is. I know that my supporting role hinges on me being able to be responsible for my own choices. It isn't contingent on them. So I will seek the Lord and constantly look to Him for how He would have me respond. In Him, I will have everything I need to be the supportive mother they need me to be. I struggled with this for years and did everything wrong that I could do wrong. However, the Father is redeeming all things in my relationship with my kids. That's what He does, and I absolutely love the way He takes our mistakes and covers them in His redeeming love. He is a good good Daddy! He is my example for parenting. He shows me how to love, show grace and mercy, as well as set boundaries and stick to them.
Does anybody else relate to these struggles? I believe as parents, we can support each other in training up a generation of amazing youth!
The new school year brings on a challenge for me as a mom to be in a supportive role vs. a lead role. I may try to use my position as mom to control and manipulate my child's performance and choices to be what I want. In a supportive role, I will allow my child freedom to be themself, freedom to make their own choices without judgement, and provide encouraging counsel. My children need to know that I love them for who they are and that I have no desire to change, control, or manipulate them. It is my job to point them to Holy Spirit, who will reveal the Father's heart and truth about who they are and their purpose. Ultimately, it is their choice whether they will come into agreement with it or ignore it. Its an awfully scary thing to do. Frankly, though, thats my problem and not theirs.
I need to take my fear to the Father. In His presence fear cannot exist, only love. In His presence, I am reminded of His love for me and my children. I am reminded that I can trust Him, which in turn leads to faith. My faith will give me eyes to see what He sees and therefore engage in the process. Parenting is a process! For me and them!
When I give my children room to make their own choices, I am empowering them. I say "give them room" because I do have to set some boundaries. I believe its important for them to learn and value their freedom and ability to choose. I saw a post on FB about song lyrics. The post basically said that in a country that has freedom of speech, how do you deal with artists who make music with offensive song lyrics. I believe this post reveals a struggle that we have as a people. Freedom of speech is a God-given right, offensive song lyrics is a choice. Someone has taken their God-given right to speak and chose to speak offensively. What I want my children to learn (and better now than later)is that they are free. They were created to be free, but that freedom comes with responsibility to make good choices and when they choose poorly...there will be consequences. If I don't give my children an opportunity to make good choices, in essence, I am saying I don't believe they can make good choices. If I don't give them room to mess up, I can't give them room to succeed either. You see the problem is not freedom of speech. The problem is poor choices in how we manage our freedom. Those who manage it poorly get their freedom taken away or punished. I want my children to know that their freedom is safe with me. I'm not going to yank it away every time they make a poor choice.
My next challenge is to provide encouraging counsel. This is such a conscious choice on my part. This challenge calls me to speak life over my children. It requires me to choose to see beyond their current choices to what the Father is doing in their life. When I see what the Father is doing, I can come into alignment with it, and partner with Him to see His will done in their life. I try to make sure I say encouraging words and constantly call out the greatness that I know is in them. Whether it be their grades, behavior, friends, or extra-curricular activities I want them to know that I am their biggest fan here on earth. Situations may come up that make them doubt who they are or their abilities. Hopefully, I will be there to remind them they are precious daughters and son of the Most High King and carry His favor on them. Hopefully, they will know beyond a doubt that I love them more than the grades they make, the friends they hang around, or the sports they choose to play.
I say this is a challenge for me and it is. I know that my supporting role hinges on me being able to be responsible for my own choices. It isn't contingent on them. So I will seek the Lord and constantly look to Him for how He would have me respond. In Him, I will have everything I need to be the supportive mother they need me to be. I struggled with this for years and did everything wrong that I could do wrong. However, the Father is redeeming all things in my relationship with my kids. That's what He does, and I absolutely love the way He takes our mistakes and covers them in His redeeming love. He is a good good Daddy! He is my example for parenting. He shows me how to love, show grace and mercy, as well as set boundaries and stick to them.
Does anybody else relate to these struggles? I believe as parents, we can support each other in training up a generation of amazing youth!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Contending for the Generations (Part 1)
This is going to be one of those posts where I just share something that is on my heart. Last week Nathan and I went to Chicago for the Jesus Culture Awakening Conference in Chicago. We also took our daughter, Hannah, with us. For 3 days we got to worship and receive a word from great mothers and fathers in the faith. The goal of the Jesus culture ministry is to raise up a new generation of revivalists all over the world. Allstate arena was full of 15,000+ people. Most of them were high school and college age students who are crazy in love with Jesus. I've never seen such extravagant worship on that scale. The first day of the conference, Banning Liebscher spoke and I caught something that just won't let me go.
He said something like this (I don't think I got it exactly as he said it, but its close): There is an army rising up of mothers and fathers who are responding to the call of a Father(God) to go after Him, experience healing and breakthrough and then release breakthrough to the next generation.
Bam! I don't think I have ever heard a statement that reached in and pulled my spirit to attention like that one did. It so resonated with me, and put into words something that was in my heart but I had never voiced. I have felt God's call on my life to be a mom ever since I was a little girl. Now that call just got attached to a dart and thrown at a bullseye. One of the reason's Nathan and I sought help with healing is our kids. The thought that the pain of generational curses, unforgiveness, and ungodly beliefs would perpetuate into the lives of our children was just plain terrifying. We wanted to be free. We wanted breakthrough. We wanted healing. We wanted everything that Jesus had died to give us! And THEN we wanted to pass it on to our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and so on.
Back to JC Awakening.....So I ask myself, "What happens when every mother and father goes after God, experiences healing and breakthrough, and then releases it to the next generation?" This is what the Lord said, "I will renew the face of the earth. One generation at a time. I will renew the 'face' of the earth with my children, who will display my glory."
When you give them your breath, life is created, and you renew the face of the earth. Psalms 104:30 NLT
When You send forth Your Spirit and give them breath, they are created, and you replenish the face of the ground. Psalms 104:30 Amplified bible
Send out your Spirit and they spring to life-the whole countryside in bloom and blossom. Psalms 104;30 The Message
WOW!!!!!Sign me up! Put me in coach!
I want to see a whole generation healed, whole, and restored! I want a generation to receive breakthrough so that the next generation can inherit a world in revival. They will be born into revival and if we teach them to steward it....it will continue....and revival will renew the face of the earth one generation at a time.
Cindy Jacobs said, "Sometimes the need is the call."
The world needs Revival. The world needs mothers and fathers to answer "yes" to the call.
I want to be a mother to generations that answered the call. That call starts now! Every day to go after God......to experience breakthrough personally.....and start releasing that to my kids, friends, family, and , yes, even strangers!
He said something like this (I don't think I got it exactly as he said it, but its close): There is an army rising up of mothers and fathers who are responding to the call of a Father(God) to go after Him, experience healing and breakthrough and then release breakthrough to the next generation.
Bam! I don't think I have ever heard a statement that reached in and pulled my spirit to attention like that one did. It so resonated with me, and put into words something that was in my heart but I had never voiced. I have felt God's call on my life to be a mom ever since I was a little girl. Now that call just got attached to a dart and thrown at a bullseye. One of the reason's Nathan and I sought help with healing is our kids. The thought that the pain of generational curses, unforgiveness, and ungodly beliefs would perpetuate into the lives of our children was just plain terrifying. We wanted to be free. We wanted breakthrough. We wanted healing. We wanted everything that Jesus had died to give us! And THEN we wanted to pass it on to our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and so on.
Back to JC Awakening.....So I ask myself, "What happens when every mother and father goes after God, experiences healing and breakthrough, and then releases it to the next generation?" This is what the Lord said, "I will renew the face of the earth. One generation at a time. I will renew the 'face' of the earth with my children, who will display my glory."
When you give them your breath, life is created, and you renew the face of the earth. Psalms 104:30 NLT
When You send forth Your Spirit and give them breath, they are created, and you replenish the face of the ground. Psalms 104:30 Amplified bible
Send out your Spirit and they spring to life-the whole countryside in bloom and blossom. Psalms 104;30 The Message
WOW!!!!!Sign me up! Put me in coach!
I want to see a whole generation healed, whole, and restored! I want a generation to receive breakthrough so that the next generation can inherit a world in revival. They will be born into revival and if we teach them to steward it....it will continue....and revival will renew the face of the earth one generation at a time.
Cindy Jacobs said, "Sometimes the need is the call."
The world needs Revival. The world needs mothers and fathers to answer "yes" to the call.
I want to be a mother to generations that answered the call. That call starts now! Every day to go after God......to experience breakthrough personally.....and start releasing that to my kids, friends, family, and , yes, even strangers!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Thoughts on Stewardship
Stewardship
What is Stewardship?
This past Saturday night at our house church, Agape House of Chattanooga, I shared some things that Papa has been speaking to me on stewardship. I decided it might be a good idea to post some of these things here on my blog.
Let me preface this by saying that prior to a year ago I always thought stewardship had to do with money. However, as I have thought and meditated, talked to Papa, and studied His Word, I have come to understand stewardship as the ability to manage and care for all the amazing things He has entrusted to us on this earth. This can be anywhere from our time, our talent, our treasure (incl. finances), our body, relationships, the earth, our salvation/healing, our inheritance/legacy.
In short, taking responsibility for doing my part
Stewardship Will Protect What It Values
My child never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.
Proverbs 3:1-2 NLT
a. When we value and trust in the command and teachings of the Father, we will store them away and keep them safe.
a. The Father has entrusted to us many wonderful things! Not only has he given us these things, but he has also given us instructions on how to care and manage matters of His kingdom. However, if our value for matters of the kingdom do not match his, we cannot adequately protect it through stewardship.
b. The ability to steward things well is motivated by our value for it. Which is usually a reflection of our value for our relationship with the Father, Christ, and Holy Spirit. As a steward in a love relationship with all three, what is valuable to them will be valuable to us therefore motivating us to protect, manage, and care for it.
c. I don't know about you, but I can always tell what people have a value for. You see it in how they steward things in their lives. Have you ever seen someone who was responsible for managing, protecting, or caring for something but didn't do it well. Could it be because they had no value for it?
d. A few examples
1. It seems Nathan and I are always getting frustrated because our kids dont seem to place the same value on things in our house. They won't keep their room clean, they don't pick up after themselves, etc. Can anybody else relate?
3. Taking care of the earth…..He made it…custom designed and hand-crafted this beautiful place just for us…am I doing my part to protect, take care of, manage the earth which by the way contains His family.
4. So how all this started is... I was at home one day reflecting over the past year or so and just thanking Papa for all He has done in my life. I have experienced so much healing, restoration, freedom, and transformation through His love. Inside I felt brand new and changed. Yet when I looked in the mirror, I was less than satisfied with what I saw. Physically, I felt horrible. I seemed to never have energy and was always tired. The scale kept creeping up more and more. Then Papa began to speak to my heart. I got this vision. In this vision He was contrasting my inner spirit with my physical body. They weren't in alignment. Through Bible study, prayer, worship, Sozo ministry, and Restoration prayer ministry I had taken all these steps to start managing, caring, and stewarding my spirit. Then there was my physical body.....not being managed, cared for, or stewarded. My value for my inner spirit needed to be stretched out to my physical body. I asked myself, "What have I done to manage, care, protect, and steward this body? I need this body. I need it to be in complete alignment with the will of heaven, which is healed, whole, and restored! NOT PERFECT, though, Ive been healed of that! Yay!!
Final thought: Is it possible that in areas where we struggle with stewardship, there is something about that area that we need to receive healing, where there is dishonor or lack of value?
Stewardship is a Privileged Position
After I received Papa's forgiveness for not stewarding my physical body well, I started asking him, "Where else can I do better at stewardship?" He then reminded me of my privileged position as His daughter to be a faithful steward of kingdom matters.
You know he could have just made us slaves….He could have just created the earth and the humans in it so he could exert his power over us to create a perfect family. He didn’t though, He gave us freedom and a will. He gave us a choice. In the garden, Adam and Eve used their freedom and chose poorly, enslaving us to sin until Christ came to redeem and rescue us. He set us free! He redeemed us to our original position as sons/daughters.
Check out this scripture from Galatians 4:
Let me show you the implications of this. As long as the heir is a minor, he has no advantage over the slave. Though legally he owns the entire inheritance, he is subject to tutors and administrators until whatever date the father has set for emancipation. That is the way it is with us: when we were minors, we were just like slaves ordered around by simple instructions (the tutors and administrators of this world), with no say in the conduct of our own lives. But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, “Papa! Father!” Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.
Galatians 4:1-7 MSG
I believe that the Father wants us to embrace and own the position and freedom we have in him. As sons/daughters we have access to a heavenly inheritance. We are uniquely positioned now to bring heaven to earth, steward it, manage it, and care for it. That is Good News!
We can release heaven and expand the kingdom through faithful stewardship in our church, job, marriage, friendships, community, etc. Ever been in a public place where you felt tense, anxious, and unsettled? Did you know that as a son/daughter of the Most High you have access to the peace of heaven and the ability to release it into such a situation? By managing, protecting, and caring for peace (bc you value it) in your own life, you will be able to release it to those around you. We don’t have much, if any, control over other people, BUT we can be responsible for what we bring to the situation or environment. Its important to remember that when your goal is to have love in a relationship….you need to bring love with you. When your goal is to have understanding in a relationship….bring understanding with you. When your goal is to have forgiveness in a relationship…you need to bring forgiveness with you.
Our position in the family of Papa God is privileged, free therefore powerful.(I don't mean that in a way that takes anything away from Papa)We are powerful because we are free...we are sons/daughters carrying His presence...stewarding the things of heaven and the kingdom to bring Papa glory! We don't HAVE to do it. We GET to do it!
Interesting story: Yesterday, was day 2 of Andrew being inside because he had not cleaned his room. 6 out of 7 days I ask them just to straighten their room. Easy right? Well, Andrew likes to throw everything in his closet in order to get it done faster. 1 out of 7 days (same day every week!) they have to CLEAN ( everything in its place, bed changed, laundry done, furniture dusted, and vacuum). All a result of me trying to be a better household manager by the way. When Andrew’s “cleaning” day came, he didn’t want to deal with the “mess” in his closet that was now as tall as him. He cried and pitched a fit. He said, “Mom, when can I go outside?” I replied, “When you clean your room. Andrew, you hold all the power in determining how long it will be before you go outside. Its your choice.
Next he said, “Well alright then.” 30 minutes later it was done. I told him, “Dude, you are a ROCK STAR!”
I think Papa says the same thing about us when we steward the things that mean a lot to him correctly. When we make choices that protect his heart, and just simply when we get it right. I believe it makes his heart happy, joyful, and proud to see us get it right. Why, because he is our Papa!
Wisdom Steers Stewardship
This was a big one for me. As Papa was speaking to me about Stewardship, I kept hearing the word “choices”. We’ve been trying to re-train our kids to become more aware of their ability to choose and consequences or rewards of choices.
How do we make good choices and decisions in being good stewards? Good information! Godly wisdom. I began reading Proverbs and discovered some neat stuff.
If we come and listen to the counsel, wisdom will share her heart with us and make us wise. Prov. 1:23
Listen to what I say and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding, cry out for insight and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would silver, seek them like hidden treasures; Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord & you will gain the knowledge of God. Prov. 2:1-5
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. Prov. 2:7
Knowledge will fill you with joy. Prov. 2:10
Wise choices will watch over you Understanding will keep you safe. Prov 2:11
There are many many more verses like these. I made a list of all the things just in chapters 1 and 2 that we receive through Godly wisdom.
1.guidance & safety
2. Understanding
3. Knowledge & joy
4. Discernment
5. Insight
6. Wisdom, discipline, wise choices, protection
What is awesome is that as we have learned the past few Saturdays is that God is supernatural so everything we receive from him is supernatural. Right? So everything I just listed , you can put “super-natural” in front of. Cool, huh?
I think it is important to point out that we will never have these things by striving for them. Only by resting in Him (His presence) and focusing on Him. They are a by-product of pressing in to Him through rest and being connected to His heart! (my fav!!!)
He uses wisdom (knowledge, insight, understanding, and discernment) to reveal the will of heaven in our lives. Stewardship makes decisions and choices based on that wisdom in order to come into agreement with what Papa is doing in our lives.
Decisions and choices in Godly Stewardship will not always be easy decisions or decisions that “man” would have approved, but when we steward our lives (time, talent, and treasure), our hearts, and relationships we position ourselves for increase and multiplication in the spiritual and well as the natural. We can have even deeper levels of revelation and understanding of the kingdom, and the Father’s heart.
Jesus says in Luke 16:9 after telling the story of the shrewd manager
Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home. If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
You cannot serve both God and self
You cannot serve both God and the world
We have worldly and spiritual resources and all of them are entrusted to us to bring heaven to earth and glorify God.
Time of kingdom business
I want us to spend a few minutes talking to Papa. Ask him if there are any areas of you life where stewardship is a struggle. Ask Him what He wants to do in that area.
I want to stress that you should not be hearing any condemning, shameful, or guilty thoughts. That is not from Papa.
His words will lovingly shine the light of his love on an area and will tell you how you can get it right!
Write it down…
I have learned the hard way that when God speaks, write it down.
There is a big chance that if I don’t, I'll forget, the moment will be gone and I’m left thinking, “What was it…I know it was good.”
I truly feel in my heart that if we can really get a hold of this issue of stewardship and taking responsibility for our part/place in the kingdom, then heaven will rejoice and hell will tremble. The church can build a culture that is focused on the kingdom. We can foster love, honor, grace, peace, hope, joy, self-control, trust, and many more ;)
What is Stewardship?
This past Saturday night at our house church, Agape House of Chattanooga, I shared some things that Papa has been speaking to me on stewardship. I decided it might be a good idea to post some of these things here on my blog.
Let me preface this by saying that prior to a year ago I always thought stewardship had to do with money. However, as I have thought and meditated, talked to Papa, and studied His Word, I have come to understand stewardship as the ability to manage and care for all the amazing things He has entrusted to us on this earth. This can be anywhere from our time, our talent, our treasure (incl. finances), our body, relationships, the earth, our salvation/healing, our inheritance/legacy.
In short, taking responsibility for doing my part
Stewardship Will Protect What It Values
My child never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.
Proverbs 3:1-2 NLT
a. When we value and trust in the command and teachings of the Father, we will store them away and keep them safe.
a. The Father has entrusted to us many wonderful things! Not only has he given us these things, but he has also given us instructions on how to care and manage matters of His kingdom. However, if our value for matters of the kingdom do not match his, we cannot adequately protect it through stewardship.
b. The ability to steward things well is motivated by our value for it. Which is usually a reflection of our value for our relationship with the Father, Christ, and Holy Spirit. As a steward in a love relationship with all three, what is valuable to them will be valuable to us therefore motivating us to protect, manage, and care for it.
c. I don't know about you, but I can always tell what people have a value for. You see it in how they steward things in their lives. Have you ever seen someone who was responsible for managing, protecting, or caring for something but didn't do it well. Could it be because they had no value for it?
d. A few examples
1. It seems Nathan and I are always getting frustrated because our kids dont seem to place the same value on things in our house. They won't keep their room clean, they don't pick up after themselves, etc. Can anybody else relate?
3. Taking care of the earth…..He made it…custom designed and hand-crafted this beautiful place just for us…am I doing my part to protect, take care of, manage the earth which by the way contains His family.
4. So how all this started is... I was at home one day reflecting over the past year or so and just thanking Papa for all He has done in my life. I have experienced so much healing, restoration, freedom, and transformation through His love. Inside I felt brand new and changed. Yet when I looked in the mirror, I was less than satisfied with what I saw. Physically, I felt horrible. I seemed to never have energy and was always tired. The scale kept creeping up more and more. Then Papa began to speak to my heart. I got this vision. In this vision He was contrasting my inner spirit with my physical body. They weren't in alignment. Through Bible study, prayer, worship, Sozo ministry, and Restoration prayer ministry I had taken all these steps to start managing, caring, and stewarding my spirit. Then there was my physical body.....not being managed, cared for, or stewarded. My value for my inner spirit needed to be stretched out to my physical body. I asked myself, "What have I done to manage, care, protect, and steward this body? I need this body. I need it to be in complete alignment with the will of heaven, which is healed, whole, and restored! NOT PERFECT, though, Ive been healed of that! Yay!!
Final thought: Is it possible that in areas where we struggle with stewardship, there is something about that area that we need to receive healing, where there is dishonor or lack of value?
Stewardship is a Privileged Position
After I received Papa's forgiveness for not stewarding my physical body well, I started asking him, "Where else can I do better at stewardship?" He then reminded me of my privileged position as His daughter to be a faithful steward of kingdom matters.
You know he could have just made us slaves….He could have just created the earth and the humans in it so he could exert his power over us to create a perfect family. He didn’t though, He gave us freedom and a will. He gave us a choice. In the garden, Adam and Eve used their freedom and chose poorly, enslaving us to sin until Christ came to redeem and rescue us. He set us free! He redeemed us to our original position as sons/daughters.
Check out this scripture from Galatians 4:
Let me show you the implications of this. As long as the heir is a minor, he has no advantage over the slave. Though legally he owns the entire inheritance, he is subject to tutors and administrators until whatever date the father has set for emancipation. That is the way it is with us: when we were minors, we were just like slaves ordered around by simple instructions (the tutors and administrators of this world), with no say in the conduct of our own lives. But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, “Papa! Father!” Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.
Galatians 4:1-7 MSG
I believe that the Father wants us to embrace and own the position and freedom we have in him. As sons/daughters we have access to a heavenly inheritance. We are uniquely positioned now to bring heaven to earth, steward it, manage it, and care for it. That is Good News!
We can release heaven and expand the kingdom through faithful stewardship in our church, job, marriage, friendships, community, etc. Ever been in a public place where you felt tense, anxious, and unsettled? Did you know that as a son/daughter of the Most High you have access to the peace of heaven and the ability to release it into such a situation? By managing, protecting, and caring for peace (bc you value it) in your own life, you will be able to release it to those around you. We don’t have much, if any, control over other people, BUT we can be responsible for what we bring to the situation or environment. Its important to remember that when your goal is to have love in a relationship….you need to bring love with you. When your goal is to have understanding in a relationship….bring understanding with you. When your goal is to have forgiveness in a relationship…you need to bring forgiveness with you.
Our position in the family of Papa God is privileged, free therefore powerful.(I don't mean that in a way that takes anything away from Papa)We are powerful because we are free...we are sons/daughters carrying His presence...stewarding the things of heaven and the kingdom to bring Papa glory! We don't HAVE to do it. We GET to do it!
Interesting story: Yesterday, was day 2 of Andrew being inside because he had not cleaned his room. 6 out of 7 days I ask them just to straighten their room. Easy right? Well, Andrew likes to throw everything in his closet in order to get it done faster. 1 out of 7 days (same day every week!) they have to CLEAN ( everything in its place, bed changed, laundry done, furniture dusted, and vacuum). All a result of me trying to be a better household manager by the way. When Andrew’s “cleaning” day came, he didn’t want to deal with the “mess” in his closet that was now as tall as him. He cried and pitched a fit. He said, “Mom, when can I go outside?” I replied, “When you clean your room. Andrew, you hold all the power in determining how long it will be before you go outside. Its your choice.
Next he said, “Well alright then.” 30 minutes later it was done. I told him, “Dude, you are a ROCK STAR!”
I think Papa says the same thing about us when we steward the things that mean a lot to him correctly. When we make choices that protect his heart, and just simply when we get it right. I believe it makes his heart happy, joyful, and proud to see us get it right. Why, because he is our Papa!
Wisdom Steers Stewardship
This was a big one for me. As Papa was speaking to me about Stewardship, I kept hearing the word “choices”. We’ve been trying to re-train our kids to become more aware of their ability to choose and consequences or rewards of choices.
How do we make good choices and decisions in being good stewards? Good information! Godly wisdom. I began reading Proverbs and discovered some neat stuff.
If we come and listen to the counsel, wisdom will share her heart with us and make us wise. Prov. 1:23
Listen to what I say and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom and concentrate on understanding, cry out for insight and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would silver, seek them like hidden treasures; Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord & you will gain the knowledge of God. Prov. 2:1-5
He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. Prov. 2:7
Knowledge will fill you with joy. Prov. 2:10
Wise choices will watch over you Understanding will keep you safe. Prov 2:11
There are many many more verses like these. I made a list of all the things just in chapters 1 and 2 that we receive through Godly wisdom.
1.guidance & safety
2. Understanding
3. Knowledge & joy
4. Discernment
5. Insight
6. Wisdom, discipline, wise choices, protection
What is awesome is that as we have learned the past few Saturdays is that God is supernatural so everything we receive from him is supernatural. Right? So everything I just listed , you can put “super-natural” in front of. Cool, huh?
I think it is important to point out that we will never have these things by striving for them. Only by resting in Him (His presence) and focusing on Him. They are a by-product of pressing in to Him through rest and being connected to His heart! (my fav!!!)
He uses wisdom (knowledge, insight, understanding, and discernment) to reveal the will of heaven in our lives. Stewardship makes decisions and choices based on that wisdom in order to come into agreement with what Papa is doing in our lives.
Decisions and choices in Godly Stewardship will not always be easy decisions or decisions that “man” would have approved, but when we steward our lives (time, talent, and treasure), our hearts, and relationships we position ourselves for increase and multiplication in the spiritual and well as the natural. We can have even deeper levels of revelation and understanding of the kingdom, and the Father’s heart.
Jesus says in Luke 16:9 after telling the story of the shrewd manager
Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home. If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own? No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”
You cannot serve both God and self
You cannot serve both God and the world
We have worldly and spiritual resources and all of them are entrusted to us to bring heaven to earth and glorify God.
Time of kingdom business
I want us to spend a few minutes talking to Papa. Ask him if there are any areas of you life where stewardship is a struggle. Ask Him what He wants to do in that area.
I want to stress that you should not be hearing any condemning, shameful, or guilty thoughts. That is not from Papa.
His words will lovingly shine the light of his love on an area and will tell you how you can get it right!
Write it down…
I have learned the hard way that when God speaks, write it down.
There is a big chance that if I don’t, I'll forget, the moment will be gone and I’m left thinking, “What was it…I know it was good.”
I truly feel in my heart that if we can really get a hold of this issue of stewardship and taking responsibility for our part/place in the kingdom, then heaven will rejoice and hell will tremble. The church can build a culture that is focused on the kingdom. We can foster love, honor, grace, peace, hope, joy, self-control, trust, and many more ;)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
A new Mother's Day
As everyone knows today was Mother's Day. This is my 33rd Mother's Day as a daughter and my 12th Mother's Day as a mother. However, today was different for me. This year I celebrated Mother's Day from a place of healing. I have spent the past year receiving healing for years of pain from being a captive and a prisoner. Today I am free and so thankful to my savior Jesus for my healing He purchased for me on the cross. Because of this I get to experience His redemption in every facet of my life. Today I experienced it on Mother's Day.
For years my mother and I had what I considered a "good relationship". We have always gotten along fairly well. So when I started this process of healing, I was shocked to realize that it wasn't exactly as good as I thought. I'm not saying it was bad at all, but Holy Spirit shined the light on the areas that He wanted to redeem. One was our spiritual connection.
At first my mom was hesitant and didn't understand what was going on in my life. I kept sharing what God was doing in me and my family. It was a little awkward at first. It almost seem to pull us apart at first because she didn't understand what was going on. Our conversations were a little tense. Eventually she started to open her heart more and more. The Lord began to reveal to her that this healing and freedom is for her too.
She is on her own journey now to healing and freedom and I couldn't be more excited for her. Now we talk for hours about all the amazing things that Papa God is doing in our lives. This is something we've never done. To share this season with her in this way is such a blessing. When I wrote in her card today I told her how excited I was about this season of life we are in and what a blessing it is to share it with her. I paused for a moment and thought about all the cards Ive ever given her. Mostly they all were about how thankful I was for all she had done for me as a mother, etc. But today I wrote something new. Its fresh.
It occurred to me at this moment that He had redeemed this part of my relationship with my mother. Revelation 21:5 says He is making everything new! He wants to redeem everything in our lives. Everything that has been stolen or given away, He can redeem.
Well, anyway, I just wanted to share that with you. Maybe there is a relationship in your life that Papa God has shown you He wants to redeem. Maybe it is the whole relationship or just a piece. Whatever the circumstance, I pray my testimony will give you encouragement and hope.
For years my mother and I had what I considered a "good relationship". We have always gotten along fairly well. So when I started this process of healing, I was shocked to realize that it wasn't exactly as good as I thought. I'm not saying it was bad at all, but Holy Spirit shined the light on the areas that He wanted to redeem. One was our spiritual connection.
At first my mom was hesitant and didn't understand what was going on in my life. I kept sharing what God was doing in me and my family. It was a little awkward at first. It almost seem to pull us apart at first because she didn't understand what was going on. Our conversations were a little tense. Eventually she started to open her heart more and more. The Lord began to reveal to her that this healing and freedom is for her too.
She is on her own journey now to healing and freedom and I couldn't be more excited for her. Now we talk for hours about all the amazing things that Papa God is doing in our lives. This is something we've never done. To share this season with her in this way is such a blessing. When I wrote in her card today I told her how excited I was about this season of life we are in and what a blessing it is to share it with her. I paused for a moment and thought about all the cards Ive ever given her. Mostly they all were about how thankful I was for all she had done for me as a mother, etc. But today I wrote something new. Its fresh.
It occurred to me at this moment that He had redeemed this part of my relationship with my mother. Revelation 21:5 says He is making everything new! He wants to redeem everything in our lives. Everything that has been stolen or given away, He can redeem.
Well, anyway, I just wanted to share that with you. Maybe there is a relationship in your life that Papa God has shown you He wants to redeem. Maybe it is the whole relationship or just a piece. Whatever the circumstance, I pray my testimony will give you encouragement and hope.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
His presence is a present
Hello friends, I am so excited to share what is on my heart this morning. I am reading "Release the Power of Jesus" by Bill Johnson. This book is speaking to my heart on such a large level that I am only reading 4-5 pages (not chapters) at a time. Today's reading spoke to my heart so much I had to share :)
Today I read about God's desire and His design to BE AMONG His people. He wanted them to be known not for the law they kept, but the presence of the Father among them. This is seen in the old covenant when His people's sin was so great, He made a provision (through ritual sacrifice) to be able to remain among them. Then in the new covenant He went even further, He made the provision once and for all through the blood of Jesus for His presence to be IN US. This provision was not just for the Israelites, but for all mankind. No longer would His presence be a pillar of fire or cloud over us, but we would be reconciled to him completely, inheriting a relationship like that of the Father with His son, Jesus. We will be known by His presence in our lives.
I PRAY THAT THEY WILL ALL BE ONE, JUST AS YOU AND I ARE ONE-AS YOU ARE IN ME, FATHER, AND I AM IN YOU. AND MAY THEY BE IN US SO THAT THE WORLD WILL BELIEVE YOU SENT ME. I HAVE GIVEN THEM THE GLORY YOU GAVE ME, SO THEY MAY BE ONE AS WE ARE ONE. I AM IN THEM AND YOU ARE IN ME. MAY THEY EXPERIENCE SUCH PERFECT UNITY THAT THE WORLD WILL KNOW THAT YOU SENT ME AND THAT YOU LOVE THEM AS MUCH AS YOU LOVE ME.
JOHN 17:21-23 NLT
The Israelites chose not to enter into His presence, but Moses drew near where God was. (Exodus 20:18-21) Think about this, the Father has made provision for us to enter into His presence 24/7! Are we going to draw back and forfeit the present of His presence? Or are we going to press in, like Moses, and completely embrace it?
Oh, Papa, I want to be known not for ME, but for your presence that I carry with me wherever I go! I don't want to carry it just to church, home, or around certain people. I want to carry your presence with me to work, to WalMart, on vacation, and to everyone around me everywhere. Why? Your presence has changed my life and has the power to change the lives of everyone I carry it to! You are so good, and I have never felt more loved, alive, and destined for a purpose as when I am in your presence. It is a present from you! I thank and praise you for the care you took in making sure that the present of your presence was made available to me.
Today I read about God's desire and His design to BE AMONG His people. He wanted them to be known not for the law they kept, but the presence of the Father among them. This is seen in the old covenant when His people's sin was so great, He made a provision (through ritual sacrifice) to be able to remain among them. Then in the new covenant He went even further, He made the provision once and for all through the blood of Jesus for His presence to be IN US. This provision was not just for the Israelites, but for all mankind. No longer would His presence be a pillar of fire or cloud over us, but we would be reconciled to him completely, inheriting a relationship like that of the Father with His son, Jesus. We will be known by His presence in our lives.
I PRAY THAT THEY WILL ALL BE ONE, JUST AS YOU AND I ARE ONE-AS YOU ARE IN ME, FATHER, AND I AM IN YOU. AND MAY THEY BE IN US SO THAT THE WORLD WILL BELIEVE YOU SENT ME. I HAVE GIVEN THEM THE GLORY YOU GAVE ME, SO THEY MAY BE ONE AS WE ARE ONE. I AM IN THEM AND YOU ARE IN ME. MAY THEY EXPERIENCE SUCH PERFECT UNITY THAT THE WORLD WILL KNOW THAT YOU SENT ME AND THAT YOU LOVE THEM AS MUCH AS YOU LOVE ME.
JOHN 17:21-23 NLT
The Israelites chose not to enter into His presence, but Moses drew near where God was. (Exodus 20:18-21) Think about this, the Father has made provision for us to enter into His presence 24/7! Are we going to draw back and forfeit the present of His presence? Or are we going to press in, like Moses, and completely embrace it?
Oh, Papa, I want to be known not for ME, but for your presence that I carry with me wherever I go! I don't want to carry it just to church, home, or around certain people. I want to carry your presence with me to work, to WalMart, on vacation, and to everyone around me everywhere. Why? Your presence has changed my life and has the power to change the lives of everyone I carry it to! You are so good, and I have never felt more loved, alive, and destined for a purpose as when I am in your presence. It is a present from you! I thank and praise you for the care you took in making sure that the present of your presence was made available to me.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Take a Look in the Mirror
I want to propose to you this truth: Within YOU lies inspiration. As I look around at people in the world, I see that they want to be inspired. I looked up the definition of inspiration in the dictionary. There are several definitions, but for the sake of this subject I want to highlight just a couple.
INSPIRATION: 1. arousal of the mind (idea or thought)to special unusual activity or creativity. 2.arousing to a particular emotion or action. (rousing, stirring)
People are looking for inspiration. Sometimes a church sermon or song will inspire us, the birth of a new baby, the marriage of two people, a team winning the championship, and even a TV show. People enjoy stories of love, sacrifice, triumph, overcoming obstacles, healing, miracles, endurance, and perseverence. Why? Its because they inspire us. These things may stir an idea, thought or emotion that make us want to be better Christians, athletes, parents, spouses, and humans. They inspire us to hope. Then hope inspires us to take action.
So here is a question to consider. What if our greatest source of inspiration lies within us? The other morning as I was drying my hair (He does speak while we are doing the most routine things), I heard Him say, "Look in the mirror. Now that is inspiring." All of a sudden it hit me.
If you want to be inspired take a look in the mirror. If you are a believer, you are a living testimony of God's love, grace, faithfulness, and HOPE for the future. You are His all-time success story. You are His story of love, sacrifice, triumph, healing and perseverance. When we understand where we've been, where we are , and His plans/purpose for our lives, we are inspired by hope. That hope will inspire us to take action.
What is it within us that is so inspiring? It is His Holy Spirit! As believers we are sealed with His Spirit(2 Corinthians 1:22). Its our destiny and the desire of the Father that our inner being/spirit be securely connected to the Him. The Holy Spirit has taken up residence within us. It is proof of His redeeming love and faithful commitment to us as His children. It is His promise that He will never leave us. It is the power that equips us with spiritual gifts used to further the kingdom. It secures our connection to the heart of the Father.
Let me illustrate for just a moment. As we are connected to His heart, the Father's love cast out all fear. If there is no fear then anything is possible, right? Inspiration! Hope! With no fear, we are stirred and roused to thoughts, ideas, and emotions from His heart. We are inspired to do things we've never done. We discover gifts we didn't know we had. As we become securely connected to the Father, we will see His glory manifest in us and through us. It will literally jump out of us and onto everyone around us. How inspiring is that! Each day is met with its own struggles and challenges. As believers, inspired by the Spirit that is within us, we release hope into these situations. This is inspiring to other's around us who are watching our lives. They will see the Father's story of inspiring victory, love, peace, healing, and hope in us.
We are worthy of all He wants to do in us. He chose us! His Son, Jesus, has made us worthy through His love and sacrifice on the cross. It is an awe-inspiring thing to know what He has done FOR us. It should propel us to worship and praise Him who is worthy to be praised. Only the Lord could do this awe-inspiring work in us.
For those who are not believers, the Father wants you to know that He loves you and desires a relationship with you. He wants to inspire you as well! He wants to give you hope! If you would like to know how to have a relationship with the Father please contact me. Once you encounter the love of the Father, you will never be the same!
If you want to be inspired to lose weight, watch the Biggest Loser! If you want to be inspired to be a singer, watch American Idol. But consider that your greatest source of inspiration comes from the Holy Spirit which lives in YOU!
I want to leave you with this scripture from His Word. Meditate on it and let the Father's heart speak to you about the inspiration/hope within you! Just take a look in the Mirror!
I PRAY THAT GOD, THE SOURCE OF HOPE, WILL FILL YOU COMPLETELY WITH JOY AND PEACE BECAUSE YOU TRUST IN HIM. THEN YOU WILL OVERFLOW WITH CONFIDENT HOPE THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. ROMANS 15:13 NLT
MAY THE GOD OF YOUR HOPE SO FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING (THROUGH THE EXPERIENCE OF YOUR FAITH) THAT BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT YOU MAY ABOUND AND BE OVERFLOWING (BUBBLING OVER) WITH HOPE. ROMANS 15:13 AMPLIFIED BIBLE
INSPIRATION: 1. arousal of the mind (idea or thought)to special unusual activity or creativity. 2.arousing to a particular emotion or action. (rousing, stirring)
People are looking for inspiration. Sometimes a church sermon or song will inspire us, the birth of a new baby, the marriage of two people, a team winning the championship, and even a TV show. People enjoy stories of love, sacrifice, triumph, overcoming obstacles, healing, miracles, endurance, and perseverence. Why? Its because they inspire us. These things may stir an idea, thought or emotion that make us want to be better Christians, athletes, parents, spouses, and humans. They inspire us to hope. Then hope inspires us to take action.
So here is a question to consider. What if our greatest source of inspiration lies within us? The other morning as I was drying my hair (He does speak while we are doing the most routine things), I heard Him say, "Look in the mirror. Now that is inspiring." All of a sudden it hit me.
If you want to be inspired take a look in the mirror. If you are a believer, you are a living testimony of God's love, grace, faithfulness, and HOPE for the future. You are His all-time success story. You are His story of love, sacrifice, triumph, healing and perseverance. When we understand where we've been, where we are , and His plans/purpose for our lives, we are inspired by hope. That hope will inspire us to take action.
What is it within us that is so inspiring? It is His Holy Spirit! As believers we are sealed with His Spirit(2 Corinthians 1:22). Its our destiny and the desire of the Father that our inner being/spirit be securely connected to the Him. The Holy Spirit has taken up residence within us. It is proof of His redeeming love and faithful commitment to us as His children. It is His promise that He will never leave us. It is the power that equips us with spiritual gifts used to further the kingdom. It secures our connection to the heart of the Father.
Let me illustrate for just a moment. As we are connected to His heart, the Father's love cast out all fear. If there is no fear then anything is possible, right? Inspiration! Hope! With no fear, we are stirred and roused to thoughts, ideas, and emotions from His heart. We are inspired to do things we've never done. We discover gifts we didn't know we had. As we become securely connected to the Father, we will see His glory manifest in us and through us. It will literally jump out of us and onto everyone around us. How inspiring is that! Each day is met with its own struggles and challenges. As believers, inspired by the Spirit that is within us, we release hope into these situations. This is inspiring to other's around us who are watching our lives. They will see the Father's story of inspiring victory, love, peace, healing, and hope in us.
We are worthy of all He wants to do in us. He chose us! His Son, Jesus, has made us worthy through His love and sacrifice on the cross. It is an awe-inspiring thing to know what He has done FOR us. It should propel us to worship and praise Him who is worthy to be praised. Only the Lord could do this awe-inspiring work in us.
For those who are not believers, the Father wants you to know that He loves you and desires a relationship with you. He wants to inspire you as well! He wants to give you hope! If you would like to know how to have a relationship with the Father please contact me. Once you encounter the love of the Father, you will never be the same!
If you want to be inspired to lose weight, watch the Biggest Loser! If you want to be inspired to be a singer, watch American Idol. But consider that your greatest source of inspiration comes from the Holy Spirit which lives in YOU!
I want to leave you with this scripture from His Word. Meditate on it and let the Father's heart speak to you about the inspiration/hope within you! Just take a look in the Mirror!
I PRAY THAT GOD, THE SOURCE OF HOPE, WILL FILL YOU COMPLETELY WITH JOY AND PEACE BECAUSE YOU TRUST IN HIM. THEN YOU WILL OVERFLOW WITH CONFIDENT HOPE THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. ROMANS 15:13 NLT
MAY THE GOD OF YOUR HOPE SO FILL YOU WITH ALL JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING (THROUGH THE EXPERIENCE OF YOUR FAITH) THAT BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT YOU MAY ABOUND AND BE OVERFLOWING (BUBBLING OVER) WITH HOPE. ROMANS 15:13 AMPLIFIED BIBLE
Friday, December 31, 2010
Hope for 2011
LET US HOLD TIGHTLY WITHOUT WAVERING TO THE HOPE WE AFFIRM, FOR GOD CAN BE TRUSTED TO KEEP HIS PROMISE. HEBREWS 10:22 NLT
2010 has been such a good year for me. I give all the praise to Papa God for what He has done in my life. For the first time in several years I am not slamming the door on the current year and desperately praying for a better year coming up. Sometimes a new year can trigger emotions of disappointment for the current year and fear and anxiety for the new year.
The subject of hope has been on my heart for the past several weeks. I've been reading and asking Papa what He wants to say to me about Hope. Then a few days ago, I was just thinking about the new year and I heard Papa say, "Grab hold of hope". He led me to this verse in Hebrews and I was just overwhelmed. I saw the verse in two parts really.
1."Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm"
It became very clear to me several weeks ago that He wants His children to know the hope that is within them. Nothing is hopeless for those who belong to Papa God. Nothing is hopeless because Jesus is our hope. He is always with us, therefore we always have hope. Our hope is not in looking like a supermodel, being a perfect mom or wife, making money, and certainly is not in politicians. Our hope, our only hope is in Christ Jesus. When we choose to open our heart to him, His love floods us. It saves us, heals us, and transforms us body, mind, and soul. This is the hope that we need to grab hold without wavering. The Amplified Bible uses the words "seize", "hold fast", and "retain". This hope is precious and valuable. It has the power to lift us out of the ditch, set our feet on solid ground and walk again. This hope will be a light to show us a way where there was none. Hope is being offered, we must choose to accept it, rest in it, and proclaim it over our lives.
2."for God can be trusted to keep his promise"
I've had trust issues in the past. I want to emphasize "past" because that is not who I am anymore! Whoo hoo! Through my healing I have discovered a connection to the heart of Papa God that has totally changed my life. It has taken a year for me to come to a heart belief that I can completely trust Him. Its been a slow process where I have gradually opened my heart to Him. One day I was on the way to work and it hit me. I trust Him! Not just Papa God in who He is, but I now trust the relationship. Over the past year I have spent time with Him, listening to His heart for me. I know my heart is safe with Him. Because I now have a secure connection to His heart and I trust the relationship, I know His promises over my life are good. I know I can trust them. His Word is full of promises He has spoken over my life. I now believe that they are for me and all His children because He loves us.
Every day, not just a new year, is an opportunity to grab hold of the hope which is Christ Jesus and to turn our hearts to Papa God, who can be trusted, to fulfill all the promises He has spoken over our lives. Hope is good! Hope will show us a way where there was none. Hope will show us a way to the heart of Papa God. There we will find a loving Father, a safe home, peace, joy, and many many other wonderful things to discover! He is waiting with arms wide open to receive us unto Him.
BUT FORGET ALL THAT-IT IS NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT I AM GOING TO DO. FOR I AM ABOUT TO DO SOMETHING NEW. SEE, I HAVE ALREADY BEGUN! I WILL MAKE A PATHWAY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS. I WILL CREATE RIVERS IN THE DRY WASTELAND. ISAIAH 43:19-19
SO GOD HAS GIVEN BOTH HIS PROMISE AND HIS OATH. THESE TWO THINGS ARE UNCHANGEABLE BECAUSE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE. THEREFORE, WE WHO HAVE FLED TO HIM FOR REFUGE CAN HAVE GREAT CONFIDENCE AS WE HOLD TO THE HOPE THAT LIES BEFORE US. THIS HOPE IS A STRONG AND TRUSTWORTHY ANCHOR FOR OUR SOULS. IT LEADS US THROUGH THE CURTAIN INTO GOD'S INNER SANCTUARY. HEBREWS 6:18-19
Happy New Year!!
2010 has been such a good year for me. I give all the praise to Papa God for what He has done in my life. For the first time in several years I am not slamming the door on the current year and desperately praying for a better year coming up. Sometimes a new year can trigger emotions of disappointment for the current year and fear and anxiety for the new year.
The subject of hope has been on my heart for the past several weeks. I've been reading and asking Papa what He wants to say to me about Hope. Then a few days ago, I was just thinking about the new year and I heard Papa say, "Grab hold of hope". He led me to this verse in Hebrews and I was just overwhelmed. I saw the verse in two parts really.
1."Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm"
It became very clear to me several weeks ago that He wants His children to know the hope that is within them. Nothing is hopeless for those who belong to Papa God. Nothing is hopeless because Jesus is our hope. He is always with us, therefore we always have hope. Our hope is not in looking like a supermodel, being a perfect mom or wife, making money, and certainly is not in politicians. Our hope, our only hope is in Christ Jesus. When we choose to open our heart to him, His love floods us. It saves us, heals us, and transforms us body, mind, and soul. This is the hope that we need to grab hold without wavering. The Amplified Bible uses the words "seize", "hold fast", and "retain". This hope is precious and valuable. It has the power to lift us out of the ditch, set our feet on solid ground and walk again. This hope will be a light to show us a way where there was none. Hope is being offered, we must choose to accept it, rest in it, and proclaim it over our lives.
2."for God can be trusted to keep his promise"
I've had trust issues in the past. I want to emphasize "past" because that is not who I am anymore! Whoo hoo! Through my healing I have discovered a connection to the heart of Papa God that has totally changed my life. It has taken a year for me to come to a heart belief that I can completely trust Him. Its been a slow process where I have gradually opened my heart to Him. One day I was on the way to work and it hit me. I trust Him! Not just Papa God in who He is, but I now trust the relationship. Over the past year I have spent time with Him, listening to His heart for me. I know my heart is safe with Him. Because I now have a secure connection to His heart and I trust the relationship, I know His promises over my life are good. I know I can trust them. His Word is full of promises He has spoken over my life. I now believe that they are for me and all His children because He loves us.
Every day, not just a new year, is an opportunity to grab hold of the hope which is Christ Jesus and to turn our hearts to Papa God, who can be trusted, to fulfill all the promises He has spoken over our lives. Hope is good! Hope will show us a way where there was none. Hope will show us a way to the heart of Papa God. There we will find a loving Father, a safe home, peace, joy, and many many other wonderful things to discover! He is waiting with arms wide open to receive us unto Him.
BUT FORGET ALL THAT-IT IS NOTHING COMPARED TO WHAT I AM GOING TO DO. FOR I AM ABOUT TO DO SOMETHING NEW. SEE, I HAVE ALREADY BEGUN! I WILL MAKE A PATHWAY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS. I WILL CREATE RIVERS IN THE DRY WASTELAND. ISAIAH 43:19-19
SO GOD HAS GIVEN BOTH HIS PROMISE AND HIS OATH. THESE TWO THINGS ARE UNCHANGEABLE BECAUSE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE. THEREFORE, WE WHO HAVE FLED TO HIM FOR REFUGE CAN HAVE GREAT CONFIDENCE AS WE HOLD TO THE HOPE THAT LIES BEFORE US. THIS HOPE IS A STRONG AND TRUSTWORTHY ANCHOR FOR OUR SOULS. IT LEADS US THROUGH THE CURTAIN INTO GOD'S INNER SANCTUARY. HEBREWS 6:18-19
Happy New Year!!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
I was made for glory
BRING ALL WHO CLAIM ME AS THEIR GOD, FOR I HAVE MADE THEM FOR MY GLORY. IT WAS I WHO CREATED THEM.
ISAIAH 43:7
I was made for glory. You were made for glory. We were made for glory, the glory of our God! I'm not quite sure where this post will go exactly. I am not yet on the other side of this truth becoming a reality within me. As I am writing this, there is alot of emotion in the tapping of these keys. I know that even if this doesn't "feel" true to me right now, doesn't mean it isn't true. It is true because the Word of God says it is true. In the renewing of the mind I often find myself declaring His truth over my life long before it ever "feels" like truth. As my heart and mind come into agreement my feelings catch up.
Why does it always seem so hard to believe the good things that Papa God has to say about us? Why are we so willing to believe the lies that the enemy would have us believe rather than God's truth about us? Can you imagine what the world would look like if everyone could believe and rest in the truth that they were made for God's glory? Imagine the church, the body of Christ, resting in the truth and freedom of who they ARE in Him. He has already declared us His children, joint heirs with Him, His glory, and His treasured possessions. Even on our worst day He is still singing over us, clothing us in His righteousness, pursuing us in love, and drawing us closer to Him.
Before His death Jesus prayed, "I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me" John 17:21
Papa God loves us just as much as He loves His son, Jesus? That's amazing love! We aren't the stepchildren forced to work for love, provision, and inheritance.
So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the SAME Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. Hebrews 2:11 (Emphasis mine)
We are His! His masterpiece! As His son Jesus, we carry His presence and His glory. We are clothed in Christ's righteousness! We are worthy of all the good things He has to give us. He doesn't give us leftovers or hand-me-downs. Everything is His and we have access, as His children, to all that is His. The more I open up my heart to Him, I see his Father's heart. A heart that is waiting to hold us in His lap, wipe away our tears, laugh with us, talk to us, and bless us with all that he has to give us. He is so unbelievably committed to the relationship.
Earlier in the chapter, Isaiah speaks of the Lord's love and faithfulness to His children:
But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. Isaiah 43:1-4
I encourage you to read that passage again and put your name in place of Jacob and Israel. Listen to the Holy Spirit speak to your heart about His love for you. May we all rest in the truth that we were made for glory. We were made to be the manifestation of His glory, love, and salvation. We can be secure in His love for us.
ISAIAH 43:7
I was made for glory. You were made for glory. We were made for glory, the glory of our God! I'm not quite sure where this post will go exactly. I am not yet on the other side of this truth becoming a reality within me. As I am writing this, there is alot of emotion in the tapping of these keys. I know that even if this doesn't "feel" true to me right now, doesn't mean it isn't true. It is true because the Word of God says it is true. In the renewing of the mind I often find myself declaring His truth over my life long before it ever "feels" like truth. As my heart and mind come into agreement my feelings catch up.
Why does it always seem so hard to believe the good things that Papa God has to say about us? Why are we so willing to believe the lies that the enemy would have us believe rather than God's truth about us? Can you imagine what the world would look like if everyone could believe and rest in the truth that they were made for God's glory? Imagine the church, the body of Christ, resting in the truth and freedom of who they ARE in Him. He has already declared us His children, joint heirs with Him, His glory, and His treasured possessions. Even on our worst day He is still singing over us, clothing us in His righteousness, pursuing us in love, and drawing us closer to Him.
Before His death Jesus prayed, "I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me" John 17:21
Papa God loves us just as much as He loves His son, Jesus? That's amazing love! We aren't the stepchildren forced to work for love, provision, and inheritance.
So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the SAME Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. Hebrews 2:11 (Emphasis mine)
We are His! His masterpiece! As His son Jesus, we carry His presence and His glory. We are clothed in Christ's righteousness! We are worthy of all the good things He has to give us. He doesn't give us leftovers or hand-me-downs. Everything is His and we have access, as His children, to all that is His. The more I open up my heart to Him, I see his Father's heart. A heart that is waiting to hold us in His lap, wipe away our tears, laugh with us, talk to us, and bless us with all that he has to give us. He is so unbelievably committed to the relationship.
Earlier in the chapter, Isaiah speaks of the Lord's love and faithfulness to His children:
But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you. Isaiah 43:1-4
I encourage you to read that passage again and put your name in place of Jacob and Israel. Listen to the Holy Spirit speak to your heart about His love for you. May we all rest in the truth that we were made for glory. We were made to be the manifestation of His glory, love, and salvation. We can be secure in His love for us.
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